Ra Ra Riot, “When I Dream”: The Singles Bar

To date, Ra Ra Riot have two solid albums under their collective belt (2008’s The Rhumb Line and 2010’s The Orchard). With a third LP on the horizon, the band offers a taste the upcoming Beta Love. While Ra Ra Riot is known for their punchy, lushly arranged pop melodies, “When I Dream” is a bit of a departure for the group, but a welcome one. A hint of electronica, a haunting vocal melody, and an uncharacteristically sparse arrangement. If “When I Dream” is at all indicative of what Beta Love might sound like, Ra Ra Riot may be poised to avoid falling into the boring comfort of simply rehashing what’s worked in the past.